Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya gave speech for Formal Opening of the Eleventh Ordinary Session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels:
“Dear co-chairs,
European parliamentarians,
colleagues from Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan
Dear friends,
It’s a big honor to address the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly today.
I want to give a special thanks to the Co-Presidents Mr. Andrius Kubilius and Mr. Ivan Krulko for your extraordinary efforts to mobilize support for free Belarus and Ukrainian victory.
And I am glad to see many Belarusians in this room. The real representatives of our people who are fighting to bring freedom and democracy to our country.
Despite repression, despite attempts of Lukashenka’s regime to divide and weaken us, Belarusian democratic forces are staying united. We have formed alternative institutions of power, which work on democratic principles.
Yes, we might have different political views and ideologies, and represent different political parties, but we have the same goal – to return Belarus to the European Family of nations where Belarus historically belongs.
Last August, all political parties and structures from Belarus made a historical decision that our goal is European integration.
Only within the European Union will Belarus be able to become a truly independent, democratic and prosperous country and realize its true potential.
Only within the European Union will Belarus be able to protect itself from the existential threat – the Russian Empire.
I have no doubt that Lukashenka and Putin will be defeated. As history shows, when changes happen, they happen quickly, when no one expects them. And our goal is to be prepared.
And we are preparing. We already drafted the new Constitution and the set of economical, political and judicial reforms, which meet the highest European standards.
Our goal is to drag our country from the shadows of Russia and make sure that tyranny will never return to Belarus.
And you know what: I am optimistic about Belarus. Because I see the bravery of Belarusians who keep fighting despite Stalin-like terror. Because I see the unity of the democratic world. Because I see the endurance of Ukrainian people.
For two years already, Ukrainians have been defending the entire Europe, and paid the greatest price for it. And I am proud that there are many Belarusians fighting for Ukraine too, taking part in the harshest battles.
Perhaps, we can’t provide Ukraine with shells or money, but Belarusians give the most precious – they give their lives for Ukraine’s vistory.
Because we, Belarusians, understand: it’s not just their war. It’s our common war for freedom. And Ukraine’s victory will be our victory too.
So we should provide Ukraine with everything it needs to win this war. And we must continue to shake Lukashenka’s regime: it’s much more fragile than it seems. Democratic changes in Belarus would be a great help for Ukraine’s victory, and a huge hit on Putin too.
But Belarus and Ukraine are not the only targets of Lukashenka’s and Putin’s regime. And here, let me greet the Moldovan delegation. Despite risks and threats posed by Russia, you continue moving towards European integration.
I admire the progress that Moldova has made under the excellent leadership of President Maja Sandu. Belarusians ask themselves: if Moldova could, why can’t we? It inspires us Belarusians and shows that everything is possible.
I was deeply moved by my visit to the Moldovan Parliament last October. Our collaboration, especially with Speaker Igor Grosu, is not only symbolic, but also practical. Soon, we are planning to hold a conference on security, to show our shared commitment to peace and stability.
I also want to greet our Georgian and Armenian friends and your impressive steps towards the European future. I believe that you will succeed. We will all succeed.
I applaud Prime Minister Pashinyan’s leadership when he refused to go to Lukashenka. Belarusians see and appreciate your decisiveness.
Our message to the parliamentarians of Azerbaijan is straightforward: Lukashenko’s path is a dead end. It’s time for change. Let’s begin with open discussions and exchange of views. It’s time to start talking and building a foundation for future cooperation.
I want to use this opportunity, and invite our Armenian, Georgian, Moldovan and Ukrainian friends for more cooperation. Our situations might be different, but we share the same values, and same vision of the future for our countries – European future.
We can do a lot on the Parliamentary level as well, within Euronest and beyond.
I encourage you to form or join parliamentary groups “For a Democratic Belarus” in your parliaments. Such groups already exist in 24 countries, including here, in the European Parliament.
I want to invite all delegations present here to see democratic Belarus as your partner, your friend, and ally. But I also ask you to support our struggle.
On March 25, we are marking our Freedom Day and the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus. I call on you to make statements, show solidarity, and take action on this day.
In particular, I want to ask you to pay attention to the situation with political prisoners in Belarus. Many are being held incommunicado, including my husband Siarhei, and I don’t even know if he is alive. Political prisoners are our pain. People are dying, literally. And we can’t afford more victims.
More than 400 parliamentarians from all over the world already took symbolic godparenthood over a political prisoner of their choice, and I invite each of you to join this campaign. On your tables, you can find leaflets with more information.
Dear friends,
There are much talk right now on defense and defensive strategy. Indeed, it is needed. But we can’t always be on the defensive. We need to go on political offense.
It’s high time to show that the European Union is ready for enlargement and bold steps regarding its neighborhood. We live in non-conventional times, and it needs non-conventional solutions.
In the new context, it’s high time to rethink the Eastern Partnership program. Obviously, it can’t be a one-fits-all approach to Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. Each country requires a separate strategy.
For us Belarusians, while our country is seized by a dictatorial regime, the Eastern Partnership is a key tool for cooperation with the European Union. But for formal reasons, we as democratic forces cannot take part in the work in all formats of the Eastern Partnership.
And my suggestion today would be to change the approach towards Belarus and formalize the presence of Belarusian democratic forces in the program.
It would not only be a gesture of solidarity but a demonstration that the European Union clearly separates the Belarus people and the regime. As I said before, these times are non-conventional.
Dear friends,
At the very end, let me thank you for your attention, your solidarity, and your commitment to the cause of freedom and democracy.
I know that the path to freedom can be long and difficult, but let’s walk this path together.
Long Live Belarus. Long Live Europe. Thank you”.
